Auditor's Race to Test Democratic Allegiances

A suddenly competitive primary for state auditor has some top Minnesota Democrats rallying behind two-term incumbent Rebecca Otto while others aren't ready to discount Matt Entenza, the former state legislator who has statewide campaign experience.

Gov. Mark Dayton said Wednesday he was standing by his support of Otto even though they differ on some issues. He recently supported mineral exploration leases that she opposed. Dayton says he won't criticize Entenza's decision to challenge Otto in the Aug. 12 primary. But Dayton questions why the former House minority leader waiting until the final hour of candidate filing to step forward.

Entenza was calling around Wednesday to Iron Range legislators, some of whom say they're not committing to a candidate yet.

Otto has the state party's formal endorsement.

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